Are you asking yourself: “Why should I get myself, my children and other family members vaccinated?”Click this link http://video.pbs.org/video/2365322027/ to watch!PBS’s NOVA “Vaccines: Calling The Shots” Examine the science behind vaccinations, the return of preventable diseases, and the risks of opting out.
Originally aired 9/10/2014 Time: 53 min. 10 sec. Rating: TV-PG

Some adults incorrectly assume that the vaccines they received as children will protect them for the rest of their lives. Generally this is true, except that:

* Some adults were never vaccinated as children.
* Newer vaccines were not available when some adults were children.
* Immunity can begin to fade over time.
* As we age, we become more susceptible to serious disease caused by common infections (such as flu and pneumococcus, and shingles). (CDC)

· “Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for
preventing disease and death. They not only help protect vaccinated individuals, but also
help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases,
as well as reduce the costs associated with missed time from work, doctor visits, and
hospitalizations.
· Infants are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases; that is why it is critical to protect
them through immunization. Each day, nearly 12,000 babies are born in the United States
who will need to be immunized against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases before age two.
· Immunization is a shared responsibility. Families, healthcare providers, and public health
officials must work together to help protect the entire community.
· Immunizations are one of the most important ways parents can protect their children
against serious diseases. Parents are encouraged to talk to their healthcare provider to
ensure that their infant is up-to-date on immunizations.
· Healthcare providers play a critical role in educating parents about the importance of
immunization and ensuring that infants are fully immunized.
· Because of the success of vaccines in preventing disease in the United States, parents are
often unaware that their children are at risk for so many life-threatening diseases.
· Vaccine-preventable diseases are at an all-time low in the United States. However, these |
diseases still exist and continued vaccination is necessary to protect everyone from potential
outbreaks.
· Immunizations are extremely safe. Vaccines are thoroughly tested before being approved for
public use and monitored carefully by doctors, researchers, and public health officials.” -AAP

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Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease.
It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe.
After fits of many coughs, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breathes which
result in a "whooping" sound. Pertussis most commonly affects infants and young children
and can be fatal, especially in babies less than 1 year of age.” -CDC
The best way to protect against pertussis is IMMUNIZATION.”

The Oklahoma Caring Vans provide immunizations at no charge to children across the state of Oklahoma who meet qualifications. Thousands of children have been immunized since the program began. A licensed nurse from the Tulsa County Health Department administers the immunizations. Patient information is entered into Oklahoma State Immunization Information System (OSIIS) so children's immunization records are readily available

UNIVERSAL SYMBOL FOR IMMUNIZATION

It is a statement of broad support of immunization.
It is a reflection of all of our voices and will be used by those who educate, immunize, and advocate for a well-immunized public. Not intended to replace organizational or campaign logos, this symbol will represent a united front in support of immunization.

Improving Immunization Rates

Education is the key to improving immunization rates and protecting our children against vaccine preventable diseases.

Serving communities throughout northeastern Oklahoma since 1997

The Tulsa Area Immunization Coalition (TAIC) was established in 1997 to educate, encourage, assist and serve the people of the Tulsa area in order to immunize everyone at the proper time for protection against vaccine preventable diseases.

Percy the Penguin

Percy the Penguin was adopted as the mascot of the Tulsa Area Immunization Coalition in 1999. TAIC partnered with the Tulsa Zoo around the time the zoo was opening its new African Black-Footed Penguin exhibit and the board felt the penguin would be ... more »

To act as a catalyst for achieving local, state, and national immunization goals.

Vision Statement:

Immunize everyone at the proper time for protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

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